Jamie Langenbrunner may return for Devils against Hurricanes

The Devils may have their captain back for Game 6 of their first-round playoff series against the Hurricanes tonight in Raleigh. Right wing Jamie Langenbrunner practiced with the team Saturday for the first time since missing three games with a "lower-body injury."

The Devils head south with a 3-2 lead and the chance to advance to an Eastern Conference semifinals meeting with the Capitals or Penguins. Defenseman Bryce Salvador, who injured his left knee in the Devils' Game 4 loss on Tuesday, will miss his second straight game, coach Brent Sutter said. He added that he will make a decision on Langenbrunner after this morning's skate.

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Langenbrunner, however, was optimistic.

"The way that practice went, the way I went (back on the top line), I would imagine that I'm playing (tonight)," Langenbrunner said.

Sutter, however, wants to see how Langenbrunner's body responds to his first practice in over a week. Langenbrunner left the ice limping in the second period of Game 2 on April 17. Langenbrunner, who had 29 goals and 69 points this season, skated alone Friday and said he felt fine Saturday.

Sutter seemed convinced enough of Langenbrunner's status Saturday that midway through practice, he moved him back to his regular spot on the top line with left wing Zach Parise and center Travis Zajac.

"I thought he looked good out there," Sutter said. "We'll see how he responds and make a decision at game-time whether it happens or not."

Langenbrunner's line accounted for 94 goals and 225 points in the regular season. Parise said that Langenbrunner's presence was missed by more than just his linemates .

"He's a big part of all the special teams, he plays in big situations, it's a good shot for our lineup," Parise said. "(Brian Rolston) did a good job coming in on our line. Anytime you can have your whole lineup, though, that is good. (As a line) we've played together all season, so we have that comfort level."

Saturday, Sutter wouldn't speculate on how Langenbrunner's return would affect the rest of the lines. Before Langenbrunner was injured, Rolston skated with David Clarkson and Mike Rupp, and center Bobby Holik was a healthy scratch.